…Comptroller General Vows To Apprehend OffendersHyacinth Chinweuba
The Nigeria Customs Service (Tin-Can Island Command) has intercepted a 20 ft container number Gesu2555208 which was not previously listed for examination, positioned with other containers for the day’s Examination, bearing 49 boxes containing 1,100 pump action Rifles.
The Customs Comptroller General, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd), said this in Lagos, promising to go after the importers.
The weapons were discovered when Operatives of the Nigeria customs service intelligence unit on a routine monitoring of activities at the terminals discovered a 1×20 ft container number GESU2555208 which was not previously listed for examination positioned with other containers for the day’s Examination.
“They also observed that the seal of this unlisted container had already been cut and padlocked. The container became suspect and had to be immediately transferred to the Enforcement Unit”.
Ali stated that the Bill of lading falsely indicates the content to be wash hand basins and water closets, but thorough Examination revealed the following: 600 pieces of Jojef Magnum Black Pump Action Rifles, 300 Jojef Magnum Silver Pump Action Rifles and 200 Jojef Magnum Plastic Single Barrels Hunting Gun Pump Action Rifles. He stated further that the vessel MV Bella shuttle of 01-01-2017 conveyed the container.
“Importation of 1100 Rifles at a time when the Nation is undergoing some security challenges is a clear indication that there are indeed some elements who do not believe in the unity, peace and well-being of Nigerians. This particular seizure being the third (3rd) in the series of Arms seizures within 8 months of this year, presents an all time high of the triumph of NCS over evil forces”, He stated.
“The audacity of these criminals to think that they can succeed in smuggling such quantity of deadly weapons into the country, calls for all round responsibilities. Shipping Agencies and Terminal Operators just wake up to support the Service to nip in the bud attempts to smuggle such dangerous items into the country. As you may already be aware, the two (2) previous cases of 661 Pump Action Rifles from Apapa and 440 Pump Action Rifles from this Command (TinCan) seized earlier in the year are already in court and we look forward to Justice being served to deter other would-be arm smugglers”, Ali said.
According to the comptroller general of Customs, one (1) Officer of the Service alleged to have authorized the cutting off the seal and the terminal clerk have been arrested and are undergoing investigation. NCS under my leadership will do all that is possible to fish out all those remotely connected to this devilish importation and will bring them to Justice”.
Further the Comptroller General of Customs, commend the Operatives of the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU) for a job well done.
Ali said that Seizure such as this, is a testimony to the fact that a well reformed and intelligence driven Nigeria Customs Service will better serve the interests of the Nation. The present management will continue to reposition and fine-tune operational strategies of the Service in-line with the Federal Government’s drive towards new and better ways of serving Nigerians.